Li-Fi Technology Explained

The latest advanced technology in terms of internet speed and reliable connection has recently been introduced to the world. A counterpart of WiFi or the internet wireless connection, which uses radio signals or waves to transmit data electromagnetically, is called LiFi which stands for Light fidelity. LiFi also transmits data the same way as WiFi does but it uses the ordinary household Light Emitting Diodes (LED) light bulbs. It can boast a speed up to 224 Gbps (gigabits per second). This is really fast!

How it actually works

LiFi is a VLC (Visible Light Communications) system which uses a photo-detector to accept light signals with a processing element that transforms data to a stream able content. The electricity current supplied to a LED light bulb, which serves as a semi-conductor light source, can be converted at high speeds in motions, which is not seen by the human eye.

Let me break down the process…

The data is fed to the lightbulb (LED) with a programmed signal processing tech

The data is sent through its beam to the photodiode or photo-detector at rapid speeds

The receiver converts the tiny changes in the LED bulbs into electrical signal

The lights will need to still be open even day time, no light no signal

It will be hard to implement outside or public places where there is no lightbulbs

But who would not want to enjoy a speed of 224 Gbps?!!

The exciting advantages:

I have to mention it again that its speed is 224 Gbps (bear with me)

The data can be transferred at higher levels with more devices capable of connecting to one another

A shorter range makes the connection safer than WiFi because there is less chances of malware interceptions

It is reported that embedded light beams off the surface still gives 70 Mbps (still wow!)

Is the World Ready for this?

I have to admit, although I sometimes confess myself as a nerd when it comes to IT, this latest advancement came to my knowledge as a late bloomer. Who would have imagined that we can let the data be transferred through light beams?!

I heard that Dubai started adapting the process and executing the power of LiFi to consumers. And it has been reported that the operation is a success. The rest of the world will pretty soon be presented with LiFi technology. And yup I’m really excited to try and experience the promising speed it has been bragging about.

Imagine what LiFi can do

LiFi gives more security that WiFi, and as mentioned, the streaming of data when you are connected to a LiFi is safer from malicious attacks.

It can possibly let people have safer night-walks as your city can set enabled LiFi street lights

Vehicle head and rear lights could incorporate LiFi enabled LED bulbs which can introduce a car-to-car communication. Imagine what this can easily do when you are on the road. A faster help when you get stranded or more warnings or what-nots ahead on the road.

The traffic lights can also be LiFi enabled, so you won’t get bored when a heavy traffic tries to kill your time.

WiFi is not enabled under water. With LiFi, an access to internet is now possible even if you are in a submarine.

There are still more possibilities when LiFi becomes part of our daily lives. So buckle up with that imagination, and wait till you find yourself running after light beams.